Mayor’s Message - Friday 12 April 2024

Last week I got to head out and see the progress on the annual program of works, as part of City of Ballarat’s major patching and resurfacing maintenance program.  

This year the program will improve sections of some 70 roads, covering 44,000 square metres. The program will span all our municipality from Ascot and Miners Rest through to Canadian and Buninyong.  

This year’s budget has an increased investment in our road infrastructure – we've seen the major patching and resurfacing program doubled this financial year. It’s a $4 million investment in 2023/24.  

I was lucky enough to get out on site and check in with one of our crews on Tait Street to see the resurfacing works being completed on the 1150 square metres from Hertford Street to Southern Court in Sebastopol.  

On this section of road, the team is trailing a new environmentally friendly alternative, using crumbed rubber asphalt from recycled tyres. This innovative new method will hopefully also improve the durability of the road and minimise cost.  

The recycled tyres are mixed with bitumen and crushed stone. I look forward to seeing how this type of asphalt goes as it could be a great alternative for our Ballarat roads.  

Our annual major patching and resurfacing program will ensure drivers can continue to move around as safely and efficiently as possible.

The City of Ballarat’s investment in road infrastructure demonstrates that we are committed to delivering a better Ballarat.

Should you need to report an issue with one of our roads, please submit a request at ballarat.vic.gov.au use the Snap Send Solve app 24/7 or call Customer Service on 5320 5500.

- Mayor Cr Des Hudson